FAIRBANKS] GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE-STUDY 191 



Biological 



Excursions to study effects of forests upon life. Effect upon its animal 

 inhabitants of cutting down a grove or forest. 



The distribution of trees in the home region. 



Conclusions as to the absence of trees upon the Great Plains ; the enemies 

 of trees. 



. The distinction between the broad- and narrow-leaved trees (conifers). 

 Those found in the home region. The most important areas of North 

 America characterized by coniferous trees. Particular uses of coniferous 

 trees. 



Develop from studies in the home region an understanding of zones of 

 vegetation upon mountain slopes and the causes which produce them. 



The W'ild animals once found in the neighborhood and their distribution 

 over the continent. The fur-bearing animals still found and their habitats. 

 Necessity for the care and protection ot the animals and birds. 



The protective forms and colorations of animals. 



How water animals spread. Zones of life in the oceans. 



A study of the winter birds. 



The fishes sold in the market, where caught, character of people engaged 

 in catching them. 



The domestic animals of the native Americans. 



The food-plants furnished us by the Indians. 



Agricultural 



Different ways in which plants spread and are propagated, seed, runners, 

 bulbs, cuttings, budding and grafting. 



Observations upon the effect of plant roots upon seamed and partly de- 

 cayed rock. Determine soluble contents of a fresh rock as compared with 

 a decayed one. Compare soils of deltas and hillsides in regard to lux- 

 uriance of vegetation. Effect of " alkali " in soil. 



Note general effect of man's disturbing influence in beginning of erosion 

 and carrying away of rich surface material. Effect of killing grass by stock. 



Study of agriculture in all its aspects of influence upon man. 



Physical 



How the rainfall determines occupations in different parts of the country. 



Readings and discussions of the great floods in the United States. Means 

 of avoiding them, construction of reservoirs. Navigation upon streams in 

 summer. 



Examination of different kinds of lava, uses of various volcanic products. 

 Readings and talks about the volcanic regions of the United States, Mexico 

 and the West Indies. Probable reasons for volcanic action. 



The keeping of a weather record, rain-gauge, temperature record. 



Talks about the .heavenly bodies and their movements. 



Forces of nature working about us — heat, cold, water, frost, ice, gravity. 



